Configurable absorbent articles having improved bodily exudate separation and sampling

ABSTRACT

Configurable absorbent articles with improved bodily exudate separation and sampling are provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/525,365 filed on Jun. 27, 2017,which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to configurable absorbent articleshaving improved bodily exudate separation and sampling.

BACKGROUND

Absorbent articles are used to contain bodily exudates (e.g., urine, andbowel movements) in infants, children, and adults. Absorbent articlesmay be used in hospitals for diapering infants, premature babies, and/orNeonatal Abstinence Syndrome (“NAS”) babies. Premature babies, NASbabies, or other small infants may require special care by health careproviders. These babies are oftentimes on ventilators, feeding tubes, orother life support or monitoring systems. In some instances, the babiesmay be positioned within incubators, also known as isolets.

Current absorbent articles for babies, such as premature or NAS babies,do not provide adequate methods for collecting urine and/or BM forsampling. Sampling of urine and/or BM may be used for testing variousdiseases and/or conditions in a hospital setting or other setting. Inview of the foregoing, absorbent articles for premature babies, NASbabies, other babies, and other wearers need to be improved.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides absorbent articles suitable for infants,premature and NAS babies (other babies or other wearers), while notbeing limited to any certain sizes or uses. The absorbent articles ofthe present disclosure may provide for urine and BM separation and/orurine and/or BM sampling. Urine may have a high pH and BM may have highfecal matter activity. It may be desirable to not have BM and urinecontact the same area of a wearer's skin. This can be accomplishedthrough the use of one or more standing barriers. A standing barrier mayextend from a first leg cuff on a first side of a longitudinal axis ofan absorbent article to a second leg cuff on a second side of thelongitudinal axis of the absorbent article. The standing barrier mayextend in a direction generally parallel with a lateral axis of theabsorbent article. The standing barrier may be attached to the laterallyinboard pair of leg cuffs if more than one pair of leg cuffs areprovided in an absorbent article. The standing barrier may be positionedlongitudinally between the expected location of a wearer's anus and awearer's urethra. As such, the standing barrier, along with the legcuffs, may be configured to maintain BM in a rear portion of theabsorbent article and urine in the front portion of the absorbentarticle to prevent, or at least inhibit, cross-contamination of BM andurine and to keep the BM and urine separate from each other on the skinof a wearer.

In addition to the above, the absorbent articles of the presentdisclosure may be configured for sampling urine and/or BM. Especially inthe context of premature and/or NAS babies, for example, it may beimportant for nurses or other caregivers to sample urine and BM. Theurine and BM may be used to test the baby for various diseases and/orhealth conditions. In the sampling context, it also may be important touse features such as one or more laterally standing barriers to prevent,or at least inhibit, contamination of BM with urine and urine with BM.The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may be configured tomaintain urine and BM further away from the skin than current absorbentarticles. This may be accomplished by providing sample receivingelements that may or may not extend outwardly from a garment-facingsurface of an absorbent article. In some instances, these samplereceiving elements may be a three-dimensional shape or may be expandableinto a three-dimensional shape. In general, the three-dimensionalelements may extend away from the wearer-facing surface to maintainspace between the skin of a wearer and the urine or BM.

The sample receiving elements, or portions thereof, may be transparentor translucent to allow nurses or caregivers to determine when theinfant or baby has excreted urine or BM to indicate when to sample theurine or BM and/or to indicate when to change the infant. By providingthe sample receiving elements, or portions thereof, that are transparentor translucent, nurses or caregivers do not have to disturb the infantsor babies unless they have excreted urine or BM.

These and other advantages of the configurable absorbent articles of thepresent disclosure are set forth herein in greater detail.

The various absorbent articles may be placed in packages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as formingthe present invention, it is believed that the invention will be betterunderstood from the following description which is taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings in which the designations are used todesignate substantially identical elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an example absorbent of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an example absorbent article of the presentdisclosure, wearer-facing surface facing the viewer;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the absorbent article of FIG. 2, garment-facingsurface facing the viewer;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article of FIG. 2,taken about line 4-4;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an example absorbent core for the absorbentarticles of the present disclosure having an extended hourglass shape;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of another absorbent article of the presentdisclosure, wearer-facing surface facing the viewer;

FIG. 7 is a left side view of an example absorbent article comprising adiscrete fastening member of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is another left side view of an example absorbent article of thepresent disclosure without a discrete fastening member;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an example absorbent article of thepresent disclosure comprising crotch folds created by crotch narrowingjoints;

FIG. 9A is a plan view of an example absorbent of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of an example absorbent article of the presentdisclosure illustrating crotch notches;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of an example absorbent article of the presentdisclosure, wearer-facing surface facing the viewer, and comprising twowetness guards;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example absorbent article of thepresent disclosure, wearer-facing surface facing the viewer, andillustrating wetness guards;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of an example absorbent article of the presentdisclosure, wearer-facing surface facing the viewer, and illustratingtwo wetness guard configurations;

FIG. 14 is a plan view of an example absorbent article of the presentdisclosure, wearer-facing surface facing the viewer, and illustratingtwo wetness guard configurations;

FIG. 15 is a plan view of an example discrete wetness guard for use withthe absorbent article of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of an example absorbent article of the presentdisclosure, wearer-facing surface facing the viewer, and illustratingtwo wetness guard configurations;

FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of how the sleeve type wetness guardof FIG. 16 would surround a portion of an absorbent article;

FIG. 18 is a plan view of an example of a discrete fastening member foran absorbent article of the present disclosure, garment-facing surfacefacing the viewer;

FIG. 19 is a plan view of an example of a discrete fastening member foran absorbent article of the present disclosure, wearer-facing surfacefacing the viewer;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the discrete fastening member takenabout line 20-20 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a plan view of an example of a discrete fastening member foran absorbent article of the present disclosure, garment-facing surfacefacing the viewer;

FIG. 22 is a plan view of an example of a discrete fastening member foran absorbent article of the present disclosure, wearer-facing surfacefacing the viewer;

FIG. 23 is a plan view of an example absorbent article of the presentdisclosure having umbilical cord notches;

FIG. 24 is a plan view of the example absorbent article of FIG. 23,garment-facing surface facing the viewer;

FIG. 25 is a plan view of an example absorbent article of the presentdisclosure having umbilical cord projections;

FIG. 26 is a plan view of the example absorbent article of FIG. 25,garment-facing surface facing the viewer;

FIGS. 27-29 are schematic illustrations of absorbent articles showinggraphics and/or indicia, with their garment-facing surfaces facing theviewer;

FIG. 30 is a plan view of an example insert positioned on awearer-facing surface of an absorbent article;

FIG. 31 is a plan view of an example insert for use with an absorbentarticle;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional example illustration of the insert, takenabout line 32-32 of FIG. 31;

FIG. 32A is another cross-sectional example illustration of the insert,taken about line 32A-32A of FIG. 31;

FIG. 32B is another cross-sectional example illustration of the insert,taken about line 32B-32B of FIG. 31

FIG. 33 is a plan view of another example insert for use with anabsorbent article;

FIG. 34 is a plan view of another example insert for use with anabsorbent article;

FIG. 35 is a plan view of an example absorbent article, wearer-facingsurface facing the viewer;

FIG. 36 is a perspective side view photograph of an example absorbentarticle;

FIG. 37 is a plan view of an example absorbent article, wearer-facingsurface facing the viewer;

FIG. 38 is a front perspective view of an example absorbent article;

FIG. 39 is a side perspective view of an example absorbent article;

FIG. 40 is a plan view of an example absorbent article, wearer-facingsurface facing the viewer;

FIG. 41 is a plan view of an example absorbent article, wearer-facingsurface facing the viewer;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view photograph of an absorbent article withfolded over cuffs, wearer-facing surface facing away from the surface onwhich the absorbent article is resting;

FIG. 43 is a plan view of an absorbent article with folded over cuffs;

FIG. 44 is an example cross-sectional view of the absorbent articleprior to the cuffs being folded toward the longitudinal axis;

FIG. 45 is an example end view of the absorbent article of FIG. 43before any tack down bonds are applied;

FIG. 46 is an example perspective view of an absorbent article forbodily exudate separation and/or sampling, wearer-facing surface facingthe viewer;

FIG. 47 is a plan view of an example absorbent article for bodilyexudate separation and/or sampling, wearer-facing surface facing theviewer, and with elastic contraction removed;

FIG. 48 is a plan view of the example absorbent article of FIG. 47,garment-facing surface facing the viewer;

FIG. 49A is an example cross-sectional view taken about line 49A-49A ofFIG. 47;

FIG. 49B is another example cross-sectional view taken about line49B-49B of FIG. 47;

FIG. 50 is an example cross-sectional view taken about line 50-50 ofFIG. 47; and

FIGS. 51-55 are example longitudinal cross-sectional (machine direction)examples of some standing barriers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various non-limiting forms of the present disclosure will now bedescribed to provide an overall understanding of the principles of thestructure, function, manufacture, and use of the configurable absorbentarticles having improved bodily exudate visualization disclosed herein.One or more examples of these non-limiting forms are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art willunderstand that the configurable absorbent articles having improvedbodily exudate visualization specifically described herein andillustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting example formsand that the scope of the various non-limiting forms of the presentdisclosure are defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated ordescribed in connection with one non-limiting form may be combined withthe features of other non-limiting forms. Such modifications andvariations are intended to be included within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

As used herein, the terms “join” and “joined” encompass configurationswhereby an element is directly secured to another element by affixingthe element directly to the other element, and configurations whereby anelement is indirectly secured to another element by affixing the elementto intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the otherelement.

Configurable absorbent articles that provide improved fit, more flexibleapplication options, narrow crotch regions, bodily exudate containment,improved bodily exudate visualization, and improved skin health forinfants and premature, NAS, and other babies (or other wearers) areprovided herein. Initially, the features of the configurable absorbentarticles will be discussed and then the improved bodily exudatevisualization will be discussed.

Configurable Absorbent Articles

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article 10 folded about itslateral axis, garment-facing surface of a first waist region or a frontwaist region facing the viewer. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the absorbentarticle 10 of FIG. 1, with the absorbent article 10 laid flat with theelastics extended, wearer-facing surface facing the viewer. FIG. 3 is aplan view of the absorbent article 10 of FIG. 2, with the absorbentarticle 10 laid flat with the elastics extended, garment-facing surfacefacing the viewer. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbentarticle 10 of FIG. 2, taken about line 4-4. The absorbent article 10 maycomprise a lateral axis 12, a longitudinal axis 14, a first waist regionor a front waist region 16, a second waist region or a back waist region18, and a crotch region 20. In a reversible absorbent article, the“first” and “second” waist regions 16 and 18 may be referred to in theclaims since the absorbent article can be applied in either direction.The absorbent article 10 may have a first wetness guard 22 and a secondwetness guard 24. In some instances, only one wetness guard may beprovided on the absorbent articles of the present disclosure. The singlewetness guard may be provided on either side of the lateral axis 12 ofthe absorbent articles 10. In some instances, the wetness guard may befree of any fastening members. The absorbent articles 10 may alsocomprise cuffs 26 for containing bodily exudates so that they may beabsorbed by an absorbent core.

The absorbent articles 10 may comprise a first end edge 28 on a firstside of the lateral axis 12 and a second end edge 30 on a second side ofthe lateral axis 12. The absorbent articles 10 may comprise a first sideedge 32 on a first side of the central longitudinal axis 14 and a secondside edge 34 on a second side of the central longitudinal axis 14. Theabsorbent articles 10 may comprise a liquid permeable material or liquidpermeable topsheet 36, a liquid impermeable material or liquidimpermeable backsheet 38, and an absorbent core 40 positioned at leastpartially intermediate the topsheet 36 and the backsheet 38.

The topsheet 36 and the backsheet 38 may be manufactured of any suitablematerials. Suitable topsheet materials may comprise porous foams,reticulated foams, apertured plastic films, or woven or nonwoven webs ofnatural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g.,polyester or polypropylene fibers), non-apertured material, aperturedmaterials, apertured nonwoven materials, apertured nonwoven materialsthat are produced using an overbonding and ring rolling process, or amaterial having a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. Spunbondhigh loft materials may also be used, whether apertured ornon-apertured. The topsheet 36 may have an embossed pattern, graphics,patterned, indicia, and/or three-dimensional features, either along withor instead of apertures. In some instances, the topsheet 36 may be aplanar topsheet. In other instances, the topsheet may be a topsheet likethat disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0250662,to Isele et al., filed on Mar. 2, 2015 or in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0136014, to Arora et al., filed on Nov. 5, 2015.The topsheet may be hydrophobic or hydrophilic. If the topsheet isapertured, it may be desirably to have the topsheet by hydrophobic.

Suitable backsheet materials may comprise breathable materials or highlybreathable materials that permit vapors to escape from the absorbentarticle 10 while still preventing, or at least inhibiting, bodilyexudates from passing through the backsheet 34 (i.e., liquid impermeablematerials). Such materials may comprise nonwoven materials, wovenmaterials, films, and/or laminates comprising a combination of one ormore of these materials. Other backsheet materials may be non-breathablematerials, such as films, for example.

The absorbent core 40 is the portion of the absorbent article designedto retain bodily exudates. Suitable absorbent materials 42 for theabsorbent core 40 for the absorbent articles 10 will be discussed belowin the bodily exudate visualization section. The configuration andconstruction of the absorbent core 40 may be varied (e.g., the absorbentcore(s) or other absorbent structure(s) may have varying caliper zones,hydrophilic gradient(s), a superabsorbent gradient(s), or lower averagedensity and lower average basis weight acquisition zones; or maycomprise one or more layers or structures). In other instances, theconfiguration and construction of the absorbent core 40 may be uniformand homogeneous, such that the absorbent article 10 can be reversible.In such an instance, the absorbent material 42 may be uniform andhomogeneous (i.e., not profiled). In some forms, the absorbent core 40may have an hourglass shape, an extended hourglass shape, or rectangularshape, for example. FIG. 5 is a plan view of an example absorbent core40 having an extended (extended about the longitudinal axis 14)hourglass shape. In an instance, the absorbent material 42 may have anhourglass shape and the absorbent core 40 may be rectangular (i.e., thecore bag is rectangular and the absorbent material 42 has an hourglassshape). The absorbent material 42 and/or the absorbent core 40 as awhole (including the core bag) may have a first width, in a directionparallel to the lateral axis 12, in the first waist region 16, may havea second width, in the direction parallel to the lateral axis 12, in thesecond waist region 18, and may have a third width, in the directionparallel to the lateral axis 12, in the crotch region 20. The first andsecond widths may be greater than the third width. The first and secondwidths may be the same, substantially the same, or different. In someinstances, the absorbent material 42 may have the shape illustrated inFIG. 5 that is then surrounded by a rectangular core bag.

Referring to FIG. 4, the absorbent material 42 may be enclosed in a corebag 44. In some forms, the absorbent material 42 may comprise onlysuperabsorbent polymers or at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99%superabsorbent polymers. The core bag 44 may comprise a first substrate46 at least partially on a first side of the absorbent material 42 and asecond substrate 48 at least partially on a second side of the absorbentmaterial 42. The first substrate 46 may form a C-wrap around portions ofthe absorbent material 42 and the second material 48 to enclose theabsorbent material 42. In other instances, the core wrap may have anysuitable configuration known to those of skill in the art. In someforms, the absorbent core 40 may comprise one or more absorbent materialfree areas or channels, or substantially absorbent material free areas(e.g., areas with substantially no superabsorbent polymers or air-felt).In this instance, the first substrate 46 may be joined, bonded, or gluedto the second substrate 48 in these areas or channels. In other forms,channels may be embossed into the absorbent core 40. Some examplechannel and absorbent core configurations are described in furtherdetail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,979,815, 9,216,118, and 9,216,116.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the absorbent articles 10 may optionallycomprise one or more acquisition materials 50 and/or one or moredistribution materials 51 either between the topsheet 32 and theacquisition material 50 or between the acquisition material 50 and corebag 44. In some instance, the acquisition material 50 and/or thedistribution material 51 may extend the full width and/or length of thecore bag 44. In other instances, the acquisition material 50 and/ordistribution material 51 may extend less than the full width and/orlength of the core bag 44. The acquisition material 50 or thedistribution material 51 may have a rectangular shape, an hourglassshape, or an extended hourglass shape, for example. The acquisitionmaterial 50 may be used to aid the topsheet 36 in acquiring bodilyexudates and moving the bodily exudates into the absorbent core 40. Thedistribution material 51, if provided, may help the absorbent articles10 distribute bodily exudates above the absorbent core 40. As anexample, the acquisition material may be a nonwoven material and thedistribution material may be cross-linked cellulosic fibers, tissue, oranother nonwoven material, for example. In some instances, only anacquisition material may be provided, only a distribution may beprovided, or neither may be provided to improve bodily exudatevisualization. In other instances, as discussed below, one or both of anacquisition material and a distribution material may be provided, butmay have windows defined therein that improve bodily exudatevisualization. If two materials are provided intermediate the topsheetand the absorbent core, the windows may be defined in or through one orboth materials, as is discussed in greater detail herein.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the pair of cuffs 26 may extend at leastpartially between, or fully between, the first end edge 28 and thesecond end edge 30. The cuffs 26 may or may not have one or moreelastics 52. In some instances, if the cuffs 26 do not have elastics 52they may be pre-strained prior to being joined to the absorbent articles10 so that they may still stand (i.e., extend upwardly) relative to thetopsheet 36. In other instances, the cuffs 26 that are free of elasticsmay not be pre-strained. In some instances, only a single pair of cuffsmay be provided to aid in helping narrow the crotch region 20. In someforms, referring to FIG. 6, a second pair of cuffs 27 may be provided inaddition to the first pair of cuffs 26. In an instance, the second pairof cuffs 27 may be free of elastics and may or may not be pre-strained.In other instances, each of the cuffs 26 or 27 may have one or moreelastics 52 and 53, respectively. The elastics 52 and/or 53 may causethe cuffs to stand (i.e., extend upwardly) relative to the topsheet 36.The elastics 52 and 53 may have any suitable length along thelongitudinal axis 14. In a form, the cuffs 26 (or 27) may each havethree longitudinally extending folds (labeled F in FIG. 4) to allow themto stand and extend a suitable distance from the topsheet 36. Glue orbonding of the cuffs is indicated at 54 in FIG. 4. In other forms, thecuffs 26 or 27 may have any suitable configuration. The cuffs generallyaid bodily exudate containment to the area of the absorbent core 40 andreduce side edge leakage. Contracted and/or standing portions of thecuffs 26 and/or 27 may be more prominent on a first side of the lateralaxis 12 or the second side of the lateral axis 14. In other instances,the contracted and/or standing portions of the cuffs 26 and/or 27 may bethe same on both sides of the central lateral axis 12. In someinstances, the cuffs 26 and/or 27 may extend the same distance on eachside of the central lateral axis 12. In some instances, the absorbentarticles 10 may not comprise any cuffs.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, an outer cover nonwoven material 58 maybe positioned on a non-absorbent core-facing side of the backsheet 38.The outer cover nonwoven material 58 may be joined to the backsheet 38using an adhesive 56, for example. The outer cover nonwoven material 58may be formed of one or more layers and typically may be a softmaterial. The outer cover nonwoven material 58 may comprise a pluralityof bonds, embossments, apertures, and/or three-dimensional features toprovide a more consumer appealing appearance or for other reasons.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the absorbent article of FIG. 1 with afastening member 100. FIG. 8 is a side view of the absorbent article ofFIG. 1 without the fastening member 100. FIG. 9 is a perspective view ofthe absorbent article of FIG. 1, garment-facing surface facing theviewer.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 6-9, the absorbent articles 10 of thepresent disclosure may comprise a pair of crotch narrowing joints 60 inthe crotch region 20. In other forms, only one side of the crotch region20 may comprise a crotch narrowing joint 60. The crotch narrowing joints60 may be created when a wearer-facing portion of the outer covernonwoven material 58 or a wearer-facing portion of the cuffs 26 or 27(if a second set of cuffs is provided) is joined to a standing portionor other portion of the cuffs 26 or 27 (if a second set of cuffs isprovided) or to a portion of the topsheet 36. The joint may be anadhesive bond, a mechanical bond, a thermal bond, and/or any othersuitable type of bond, or joinder. In other instances, the crotchnarrowing joints 60 may be formed by joining a wearer-facing portion ofthe backsheet 38 (or laminate comprising the backsheet 38 and outercover nonwoven material 58) to a portion of the cuffs 26 or 27 or to aportion of the topsheet 36. In any event, portions of the outer covernonwoven material 58 proximate to the first and second side edges 32 and34 may be joined directly or indirectly to a portion of the cuffs 26 or27 or a portion of the topsheet 36. By providing these crotch narrowingjoints 60, the absorbent articles 10 are able to achieve a narrow foldedcrotch width, (“W” in FIG. 1) at or proximate to the lateral axis 12.This narrow folded crotch width may be especially important forpremature babies for a number of reasons. First, smaller babies haveless space in between their legs. Thus, the smaller the folded crotchwidth, the better the absorbent articles will fit them without applyingany leg separating forces on their legs, thereby allowing the legs torest in a comfortable position, such as near the body midline, forexample. Second, in a typical diaper, the inner thigh areas of the legsof the baby may be in contact with portions of the cuffs and/or thebacksheet. In the absorbent articles 10 of the present disclosure thebaby's inner thigh areas may be in contact with portions of the cuffs 26and/or 27 and portions of the soft outer cover nonwoven material 58,thereby providing a more comfortable wearer experience and at timesreducing inner thigh chafing.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the crotch narrowing joints 60 cause portions ofthe crotch region 20 to fold inwardly toward the longitudinal axis 14,when the elastics of the cuffs are at least partially relaxed, therebycreating crotch folds 61. Referring to FIG. 1, these crotch folds 61provide for the narrow folded crotch width W. The crotch folds 61 alsoprovide the absorbent article 10 with angled portions 63 in the crotchregion 20. The angled portions 63 may have an angle in the range ofabout 10 degrees to about 80 degrees, about 15 degrees to about 75degrees, about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees, about 30 degrees to about60 degrees, about 40 degrees to about 60 degrees, relative to thelateral axis 12, specifically reciting all 0.1 degree increments withinthe specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. Allangles are measured according to the Folded Crotch Angle Test herein.

Referring to FIG. 5, in addition to the crotch narrowing joints 60, theabsorbent core 40 may have an extended hourglass shape with leg notches62 elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 14. Thisfeature allows for the legs (“L”) to be positioned at multiple locationswithin the leg notches 62 to fit different wearers and situations. Thelegs of a wearer, for example, may be positioned more proximate to afirst end edge 41 or more proximate to a second end edge 43 of theabsorbent core 40 to suit certain situations or positions of the baby.As referenced above, the acquisition materials 50 and/or distributionmaterials 51 may have a similar shape or a different shape, if provided.The absorbent core 40 may have a width measured along its lateral axis12′ in the range of about 5 mm to about 300 mm, about 10 mm to about 100mm, about 15 mm to about 75 mm, about 15 mm to about 40 mm, about 15 mmto about 25 mm, or about 20 mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mmincrements within the specified range and all ranges formed therein orthereby. The absorbent core 40 may have a width measured along eitherthe first end edge 41 or the second end edge 43 in the range of about 15mm to about 500 mm, about 20 mm to about 300 mm, about 25 mm to about100 mm, about 30 mm to about 50 mm, about 35 mm to about 40 mm, or about38 mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mm increments within the specifiedrange and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

In some forms, referring to FIG. 10, instead of the crotch narrow jointsbeing provided, crotch notches 64 may be cut out of the absorbentarticles 10, absorbent cores 40 thereof, and/or other components thereof(e.g., acquisition material 50, if provided) in areas proximate to thelateral axis 12. In other forms, the crotch notches 64 may instead beformed in components of the absorbent articles before or duringmanufacture. The crotch notches 64 may have any suitable size and shapeto achieve a narrow folded crotch width. Some example shapes areillustrated in FIG. 10. The crotch notches 64 may be formed in thetopsheet, the backsheet, the acquisition material, the outer covernonwoven material, and/or portions of the cuffs, for example. The crotchnotches 64 may be used with the hourglass or extended hourglass shapedabsorbent cores disclosed herein. The acquisition material 50 and/ordistribution material may also be hourglass shaped, for example. Thecrotch notches 64 may be cut out so that a chassis of the absorbentarticle is hourglass shaped, or has an extended (along the longitudinalaxis 14) hourglass shape.

The crotch narrowing joints 60 may be an optional feature. It has beendiscovered that a narrow Folded Crotch Width, in some instances, maystill be achieved even without the crotch narrowing joints 60. Thisnarrow Folded Crotch Width may be attributable to the elongatedhourglass shapes of the absorbent core (see FIG. 5) in combination withelastic contraction from at least one pair of leg cuffs 26, and possiblyfrom two pairs of leg cuffs 26 and 27. In such an instance, theabsorbent article, in a folded configuration, may take on the exampleshape of FIG. 9A. FIG. 9A illustrates the narrow Folded Crotch Width as“W”.

The folded crotch width, (i.e., W in FIG. 1) measured according to theFolded Crotch Width Test herein, may be less than about 150 mm, lessthan about 100 mm, less than about 75 mm, less than about 50 mm, lessthan about 45 mm, less than about 50 mm, less than about 40 mm, lessthan about 35 mm, less than about 30 mm, less than about 25 mm, lessthan about 20 mm, or less than about 15 mm, depending on the size of theabsorbent article 10. The folded crotch width, measured according to theFolded Crotch Width Test herein, may be in the range of about 10 mm toabout 150 mm, about 10 mm to about 100 mm, about 10 mm to about 75 mm,about 15 mm to about 50 mm, about 15 mm to about 45 mm, less than 45 mm,less than 40 mm, less than 35 mm, about 20 mm to about 40 mm, about 25mm to about 35 mm, or about 15 mm to about 30 mm, for example,specifically reciting all 0.1 mm increments within the above-specifiedranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

As discussed above, referring to FIGS. 2, 4, 6, and 11, one or morewetness guards 22, 24 may be provided on the absorbent article 10. Ingeneral, the wetness guards 22 and 24 are provided to establish abarrier between the lower back, waist, and/or legs of the baby andportions of the topsheet 36 that are soiled with bodily exudates. Afirst wetness guard 22 may be positioned on the first side of thecentral lateral axis 12 and a second wetness guard 24 may be positionedon the second side of the central lateral axis 12. As mentionedpreviously, only one wetness guard (either 22 or 24) may be provided incertain absorbent articles 10. In some forms, other wetness guards mayalso be provided either in addition to the wetness guards 22 and 24, orin lieu of them. As an example, some wetness guards may extendlongitudinally at least partially between the first end edge 28 and thesecond end edge 30. The wetness guards 22 and 24 may have any suitablewidth (measured in a direction parallel to the central lateral axis 12)and the length (measured in a direction parallel to the centrallongitudinal axis 14). In some instances, the wetness guards 22 and 24may have a first width and the absorbent articles 10 may have a secondwidth. The first width may be the same as or different than (larger orsmaller) than the second width. For example, a wetness guard may onlyextend intermediate the cuffs 26 or the cuffs 27 and not extend all theway to the first and second side edges 32 and 34. In some instances, oneof the wetness guards 22 or 24 may have a first width and the other ofthe wetness guards 22 or 24 may have a second width. The first andsecond widths may be the same or different. In some instances, one ofthe wetness guards 22 or 24 may have a first length (measured in aparallel to the central longitudinal axis 14) and the other of thewetness guards 22 or 24 may have a second length. The first and secondlengths may be the same or different. The first wetness guard 22 mayhave a longer length than the second wetness guard 24, or vice versa. Insome instances, the wetness guards 22 and 24 may have the same lengthsuch that the absorbent article 10 may be reversible. The first wetnessguard 22 may overlap a first portion of the absorbent core and thesecond wetness guard 24 may overlap a second portion of the absorbentcore.

Referring to FIG. 11, the first wetness guard 22 may have a first end 66and a second end 68. The first end 66 may be positioned proximate to thefirst end edge 28 of the absorbent article 10. The second end 68 may bepositioned intermediate the first end edge 28 and the lateral axis 12.Although the second end 68 of the first wetness guard 22 is illustratedas being straight, it may also be concave or convex relative to thelateral axis 12 or may have any other suitable shape. The first wetnessguard 22 may be positioned over at least a portion of the topsheet 36and may overlap or cross the longitudinal axis 14. In other instances,the wetness guard 22 may be positioned over a portion of the topsheet 36and portions of the cuffs 26, 27.

Again referring to FIG. 11, a first portion 70 of the first wetnessguard 22 may be joined to the cuffs 26, 27, the topsheet 36, and/or thebacksheet 38 proximate to the first end edge 28 of the absorbent article10. A second portion 72 of the first wetness guard 22 may be joined tothe cuffs 26, 27, the topsheet 36, and/or the backsheet 38 proximate tothe first side edge 32 of the absorbent article 10. A third portion 74of the first wetness guard 22 may be joined to the cuffs 26, 27, thetopsheet 36, and/or the backsheet 38 proximate to the second side edge34 of the absorbent article 10. The joining may comprise usingmechanical joining or adhesive joining, for example. The joining may beintermittent or continuous. Through this joining, referring to FIG. 12,the second end 68 may be free of attachment to the topsheet 36 and thecuffs 26, 27 such that a pocket, 71, is created at least between anon-wearer-facing surface of the first wetness guard 22 and the topsheet36. In other instances, the second end 68 may be joined to, or partiallyjoined to, the topsheet 36 and/or the cuffs 26, 27, for example. Apocket may also be created by the second wetness guard 24 in a similarfashion as the pocket 71 of the wetness guard 22.

Still referring to FIG. 11, the second wetness guard 24 may have a firstend 76 and a second end 78. The first end 76 may be positioned proximateto the second end edge 30 of the absorbent article 10. The second end 78may be positioned intermediate the second end edge 30 and the lateralaxis 12. Although the second end 78 of the second wetness guard 24 isillustrated as being straight, it may also be concave or convex relativeto the lateral axis 12 or may have any other suitable shape. The secondwetness guard 24 may be positioned over at least a portion of thetopsheet 36 and may overlap or cross the longitudinal axis 14. In otherinstances, the wetness guard 24 may be positioned over the portion ofthe topsheet 36 and portions of the cuffs 26, 27.

A first portion 80 of the second wetness guard 24 may be joined to thecuffs 26, 27, the topsheet 36, and/or the backsheet 38 proximate to thesecond end edge 30 of the absorbent article 10. A second portion 82 ofthe second wetness guard 24 may be joined to the cuffs 26, 27, thetopsheet 36, and/or the backsheet 38 proximate to the first side edge 32of the absorbent article 10. A third portion 84 of the second wetnessguard 22 may be joined to the cuffs 26, 27, the topsheet 36, and/or thebacksheet 38 proximate to the second side edge 34 of the absorbentarticle 10. The joining may comprise using mechanical joining oradhesive joining, for example. The joining may be intermittent orcontinuous. Through this joining, the second end 78 may be free ofattachment to the topsheet 36 and the cuffs 26, 27 such that a pocket(like pocket 71 of FIG. 12) is created at least between anon-wearer-facing surface of the second wetness guard 24 and thetopsheet 36. In other instances, the second end 78 may be joined to, orpartially joined to, the topsheet 36, and/or the cuffs 26, 27.

In other instances, the first and/or the second wetness guards 22 and 24may be joined to the topsheet 36, the cuffs 26, 27, and/or the backsheet38 at any suitable locations on a wearer-facing surface of the absorbentarticle 10. In an instance, all, or some of the perimeters of thewetness guards 22 and 24 may be joined to the wearer-facing surface. Inother instances, all or some of non-perimeter areas may be joined to thewearer-facing surface. The two wetness guards 22 and 24, if both areprovided, may be joined to a portion of the wearer-facing surface in thesame fashion or in different fashions. In an instance, one or both ofthe wetness guards 22 and 24 may be discrete components that are notjoined to the absorbent article 10 in a package, but instead areprovided as a discrete component. Nurses or caregivers may then positionthe wetness guard or guards on portions of the wearer-facing surface ofthe absorbent articles 10 as appropriate. The wetness guards 22 and 24may have a space between themselves and the first and second end edges28 and 30. Stated another way, the most longitudinally outward portionsof each wetness guard does not have to be positioned on the first endedges 28 or the second end edge 30, but instead a gap may exist, such asa 0.5 inch gap, for example.

The wetness guards 22 and 24 may have the same construction or adifferent construction. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the wetness guard 22and 24 may each comprise a laminate comprising a first liquidimpermeable material (or substantially liquid impermeable material) 86and a second liquid permeable material 88. The wetness guards may alsocomprise other liquid permeable or impermeable layers. The layers 86 and88 may be joined together in any suitable fashion, such as through theuse of an adhesive 90. The adhesive 90 may be continuous ordiscontinuous and may be slot coated or spirally applied, for example.The first liquid impermeable material 86 may comprise one or morenonwoven materials or films or a nonwoven and a film as a laminate. Thesecond liquid permeable material 88 may comprise one or more nonwovenmaterials or non-film materials. The first liquid impermeable material86 may face a portion of the topsheet 36, while the second liquidpermeable material 88 may face the wearer or form a portion of awearer-facing surface of the absorbent article. As such, the firstliquid impermeable material 86 may be used to create a barrier betweenthe portion of the topsheet 36 under the wetness guards and the secondliquid permeable material 88 to keep material 88 dry and sterile. Thesecond liquid permeable material 88 may be used to provide a lower back,waist, and/or legs of a baby with a soft, dry, sterile, and comfortingsurface. In an instance, the wetness guards 22 and 24 may comprise onlyone or more hydrophobic nonwoven materials without a liquid impermeablefilm. The hydrophobic nonwoven material(s) may be untreated, such thatit remains naturally hydrophobic. In other instances, the hydrophobicnonwoven material(s) may be treated to become more hydrophobic.

The first and second wetness guards 22 and 24 may form a crotchreceiving area 92 in the absorbent article 10. The crotch receiving area92 is the area between the two wetness guards 22 and 24 where a baby'scrotch area is positioned when the absorbent article 10 is positioned onthe baby. The crotch receiving area 92 between the first and secondwetness guards 22 and 24 may be any suitable size (length or width) fora particular size baby. A ratio of the surface area of the crotchreceiving area 92 to the wetness guards 22 and 24 (together or separateif only one is provided) may be about 7:1, about 6:1, about 5:1, about4:1, about 3:1, about 2:1, about 1:1, or about 0.5:1, or may be in therange of about 10:1 to about 1:1, specifically reciting all 0.1increments of the ratios specified above and all ratios formed withinthe specified range. The crotch receiving area 92 may have an area inthe range of about 25 cm² to about 750 cm², about 40 cm² to about 500cm², about 50 cm² to about 400 cm², about 50 cm² to about 250 cm², about50 cm² to about 200 cm², about 50 cm² to about 150 cm², about 50 cm² toabout 100 cm², or about 60 cm² to about 80 cm², for example,specifically reciting all 0.1 cm² increments within the specified rangesand all ranges formed therein or thereby.

The absorbent article, when laid flat, elastic contraction pulled out,may have a length, in a direction parallel to a central longitudinalaxis 14, of less than 500 mm, less than 400 mm, less than 300 mm, lessthan 275 mm, but at least 100 mm. The absorbent article, when laid flat,elastic contraction pulled out, may have a width, in a directionparallel to a central lateral axis 12 of less than 200 mm, less than 150mm, less than 130 mm, less than 100 mm, but at least 50 mm.

To create the first and/or second wetness guards 22 and 24, thebacksheet 38 and the outer cover nonwoven material 58 may extend beyondthe first and second end edges 28 and 30 and be folded over thewearer-facing side of the absorbent article 10. The folded over portionsof the backsheet 38 and the outer cover nonwoven 58 may be joined to thetopsheet 36, portions of the cuffs 26, 27, and/or the backsheet 38. Assuch, the folded over portion of the backsheet 38 may form the firstliquid impermeable material 86 and the outer cover nonwoven material 58may form the second liquid permeable material 88 of the wetness guards22 and 24. In other instances, the backsheet 38 and the outer covernonwoven material 58 may not be joined to a portion of the wearer-facingsurface, but instead may merely be folded over the wearer-facingsurface.

In another instance, the first and/or second wetness guards 22 and 24may be formed from discrete laminates each comprising the first liquidimpermeable material 86 and the second liquid impermeable material 88.These discrete laminates may be joined to the topsheet 36, portions ofthe cuffs 26, 27, and/or to the backsheet 38.

The absorbent article 10 may have a wearer-facing surface area (theentire wearer-facing surface including areas of the wetness guards) inthe range of about 150 cm² to about 1,500 cm², about 175 cm² to about1,000 cm², about 200 cm² to about 800 cm², about 200 cm² to about 500cm², about 200 cm² to about 400 cm², about 200 cm² to about 300 cm²,about 200 cm² to about 250 cm², about 210 cm² to about 240 cm², or about225 cm², for example, specifically reciting all 0.1 cm² incrementswithin the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

The wetness guards 22 or 24 may have an area in the range of about 10cm² to about 800 cm², about 15 cm² to about 600 cm², about 15 cm² toabout 400 cm², about 20 cm² to about 300 cm², about 20 cm² to about 200cm², about 20 cm² to about 100 cm², about 20 cm² to about 75 cm², orabout 25 cm² to about 70 cm², for example, specifically reciting all 0.1cm² increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed thereinor thereby. As mentioned above, the wetness guard 22 may have an areathat is the same or different than the wetness guard 24, if both areprovided in an absorbent article.

In another instance, referring to FIG. 13, at least one of or both ofthe wetness guards 22 and 24 may only be attached to the first side edge32, the second side edge 34, and/or a portion of the absorbent article10 proximate to one of the side edges 32 and 34, for example. In otherinstances, the wetness guards 22 and/or 24 may be attached to the outercover nonwoven material 58, the backsheet 38, the topsheet 34, and/orone of the cuffs (26 or 27), for example. In such an instance, thewetness guard 22 in FIG. 13 may be configured to be folded over into theposition illustrated in, for example FIG. 2. The wetness guard 24 mayhave a similar configuration as the illustrated wetness guard 22 or maybe provided as described with reference to FIG. 2. The wetness guard 22(and/or the wetness guard 24 if provided in the same configuration) maycomprise a fastener 23, such as a plurality of hooks or an adhesive, forexample, such that when the wetness guard 22 is folded over theabsorbent article 10, it can be joined by the fastener 23 to a portionof the wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article 10. The materialsof the wetness guard 22 may be the same as or similar to that describedabove.

In still other instances, referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, one or both ofthe wetness guards 22 and 24 may be a discrete component (FIG. 15) fromthe absorbent article 10 (FIG. 14) and may be configured to be placed onthe absorbent article 10, in for example, the positions illustrated inFIG. 2, or in other positions as desired by the nurse or caregiver. Insome instances, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, one wetness guard 22may be a discrete component and the other wetness guard 24 may be joinedto the cuffs 26 (or 27), the topsheet 36, and/or the backsheet 38. Thediscrete wetness guard or guards may be packaged with the absorbentarticles 10 or may be packaged and/or sold separately. The discretewetness guard 22 (and/or the wetness guard 24, if discrete) may have afirst fastener 23 and a second fastener 25. The first and secondfasteners 23 and 25 may be used to join the discrete wetness guard 22 toa portion of the wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article 10 asdesired and maintain the wetness guard 22 in position during use of theabsorbent article 10. The materials of the wetness guard may be the sameas or similar to that described above.

In yet other instances, referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, at least one of,or both of, the wetness guards 22 and 24 may be provided in a sleeveform. The sleeve may be positioned on the absorbent article 10 in apackage, positioned separately from the absorbent article 10 in thepackage, or may be sold in a separate package. Once positioned on theabsorbent article, the sleeve may be moveable in the directions ofarrows 94 and 96 to allow a nurse or caregiver to position the wetnessguard 22 as desired. In some instances, as illustrated in FIG. 16, onewetness guard 24 may be joined to the wearer-facing surface and anotherwetness guard 22 may take the form of a sleeve. In some forms, thematerials of the wetness guard may be the same as or similar to thatdescribed above. In other forms, only portions of the wetness guardpositioned over the wearer-facing surface may have the wetness guardconstructions described herein, with other portions (i.e., portionswrapped around a non-wearer-facing surface 98 of the absorbent article10) being constructed of other materials, such as nonwoven materialswithout films, for example. FIG. 17 illustrates an example of how thewetness guard 22 in the form of a sleeve would surround the absorbentarticle 10.

The absorbent articles 10 of the present disclosure may have one or morefastening members. The fastening members may be related art fasteningmembers (i.e., taped fastening members) that are permanently attached tothe absorbent article 10 in the back waist region 18 and are engaged byfasteners (e.g., hooks) to a garment-facing surface of the front waistregion or vice versa. In some instances, a landing zone may be providedon the garment-facing surface of the front waist region 16 for suchengagement. In other instances the fastening members may be fullyremovable fastening members 100. The fastening members may be stretchpanels that may be discrete elements. Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, thefastening members 100 may each comprise a first surface 102, a secondsurface 104, a first end 106, and a second end 108. The first surface102 may be opposite to the second surface 104 and the first end 106 maybe opposite to the second end 108. The fastening members 100 maycomprise a first fastener 110 configured to engage a first portion ofthe outer cover nonwoven material 58 or a first portion of a landingzone and positioned on the first surface 102. The absorbent article 10may be free of a landing zone. The fastening members 100 may comprise asecond fastener 112 configured to engage a second, different portion ofthe outer cover nonwoven material 58 and positioned on the first surface102. In some instances, it may be desirable to provide the firstfastening member 110 on the first surface 102 and the second fasteningmember 112 on the second surface 104, so that the fastener can be foldedinto a loop to hold a tube, for example. The first portion of the outercover nonwoven material 58 may be in the front waist region 16, the backwaist region 18, or the crotch region 20. Likewise, the second portionof the outer cover nonwoven material 58 may be in the front waist region16, the back waist region 18, or the crotch region 20. The fastener 110may be positioned proximate to the first end 106 and the fastener 112may be positioned proximate to the second end 108. In some instances,only one fully removable fastening member 100 may be provided on anabsorbent article 10 and the other fastening member may be permanentlyjoined to the absorbent article on at least one of its ends.

Since the fastening members 100 are removable from the absorbent article10, they can be fastened as desired or as needed by a nurse orcaregiver. In some instances, the nurse or caregiver may remove thefastening members 100 from the absorbent article 10 and not use them ifthe baby is in a certain position, for example. In other instances, thenurse or caregiver may only use one of the fastening members 100 if thebaby is in another certain position, for example.

Referring to FIGS. 18-22, the first fastener 110 and the second fastener112 may not extend to the perimeter of the fastening members 100. Thismay help prevent, or at least inhibit, rough fastener material (e.g.,hooks) from contacting or irritating a wearer's skin. The fasteners 110and 112 are illustrated as rectangular but may be any other suitableshape, such as circular or ovate, for example. In some instances, it maybe desirable to have fasteners without corners to again prevent, or atleast inhibit the fasteners from at irritating a wearer's skin. In apackage, the first and second fasteners 110 and 112 may be joined to thefirst surface 102 so they are at least inhibited from unintentionallyengaging other portions of the absorbent articles, other fasteningmembers, and/or other items.

Referring to FIG. 20, the fastening members 100 may comprise a firstnonwoven or other substrate 114, a second or other nonwoven substrate116, and an elastic material 117 positioned at least partiallyintermediate the first and second substrates 114 and 116. The elasticmaterial may comprise an elastic nonwoven material, an elastic film, orelastic strands, for example. The elastic material may be apertured ormicro-apertured to promote breathability. In other instances, thefastening members may comprise one or more substrates and may notcomprise an elastic material.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, a middle portion 118 (e.g., between thefirst and second ends 106 and 108) of the fastening member 100 maydefine one or more slots 120 or apertures therein. The slots orapertures 120 may have any suitable size and/or shape. In certaininstances, premature, NAS babies, and other babies are on feeding tubes,corded monitoring device (e.g., heart rate monitor), corded life supportdevice, or the like. These tubes and cords may be positioned through theslots 120 or apertures to help hold the tubes and cords in place. Insome instances, the middle portion 118, or other portions, of thefastening member 100 may be formed of a highly breathable material, suchas a highly breathable film, nonwoven, film/nonwoven laminate, or anapertured film or apertured nonwoven material, for example.

In some countries, it may be desirable to allow air to flow to the bellybutton area after birth when a portion of the umbilical cord on the babyis drying out and/or healing. Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, a firstumbilical cord notch 122 may be defined in the first end edge 28 in thefront waist region 16 and a second umbilical cord notch 124 may bedefined in the second end edge 30 in the back waist region 18. The firstand second umbilical cord notches 122 and 124 may have any suitablesize, shape, and/or depth relative to the first and second end edges 28and 30, respectively. In some instances, only the first or the secondumbilical cord notch may be provided. The benefit of having twoumbilical cord notches is that the absorbent article 10 may be appliedwith the front waist region 16 on a front of a wearer or with the frontwaist region 16 on a back of the wearer. Stated another way, byproviding the two umbilical cord notches, the absorbent article 10 maybe reversible. The longitudinal axis 14 (see e.g., FIG. 2) may extendthrough the umbilical cord notches.

Referring to FIG. 24, first sides of the fastening members 100 may bepermanently fixed to a portion of the back waist region 18 and may notbe releasably joined to the absorbent article 10. The first side of thefastening members 100 may be permanently fixed to the portions of theback waist region 18 using one or more bonds 138, lines of adhesives, ormay be otherwise permanently fixed. Second sides of the fasteningmembers 100 may comprise fasteners used to join the second sides of thefastening member 100 to portion of the front waist region 16.Alternatively, the second sides of the fastening members 100 may bepermanently fixed to the front waist region 16 and the first sides ofthe fastening members 100 may comprise fasteners used to join the firstsides of the fastening members 100 to the back waist region 18.

In some countries, it may be desirable to cover up the belly button of ababy after birth. Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, a first umbilical cordprojection 126 may extend from the first end edge 28 in the front waistregion 16 and a second umbilical cord projection 128 may extend from thesecond end edge 30 in the back waist region 18. The first and secondumbilical cord projections 126 and 128 may have any suitable size,shape, and/or height relative to the first and second end edges 28 and30, respectively. In some instances, only the first or the secondumbilical cord projection may be provided. The benefit of having twoumbilical cord projections is that the absorbent article 10 may beapplied with the front waist region 16 on a front of a wearer or withthe front waist region 16 on a back of the wearer. Stated another way,by providing the two umbilical cord projections, the absorbent article10 may be reversible. The longitudinal axis 14 (see e.g., FIG. 2) mayextend through the umbilical cord projections.

The umbilical cord projections may have one or more slots 130 orapertures defined therein. The slots 130 or apertures may have anysuitable size and/or shape. In certain instances, premature, NAS babies,and other babies may be on feeding tubes, corded monitoring device(e.g., heart rate monitor), or the like. These tubes and cords may bepositioned through the slots 130 or apertures to help hold the tubes andcords in place.

In some instances, no umbilical cord notches or umbilical cordprojections may be provided on an absorbent article (see e.g., FIGS. 1and 2). In still other instances, an umbilical cord notch may beprovided on a first side of the lateral axis 12 and an umbilical cordprojection may be provided on a second side of the lateral axis 12.

As mentioned above, it may be desirable to reduce contact with prematureand NAS babies as much as feasible because of their delicate body andskin. On the other hand, it is also desirable to have the absorbentarticle on the baby to be as free of bodily exudates as possible toprotect the baby's skin. In instances where the babies are positioned inincubators, conventional wetness indicators may not function adequatelyowing to the high humidity environment of the incubators. The presentdisclosure provides a way to solve these issues by providing the outercover nonwoven material 58 and/or the backsheet 38 with a low opacity.By providing the outer cover nonwoven material 58 and/or the backsheet38 with a low opacity, nurses are able to visually determine, withouttouching the baby, whether the absorbent articles need to be changed,thus not disturbing the baby if the absorbent article is not soiled orsufficiently soiled.

The opacity of the backsheet 38 may be in the range of about 10% toabout 80%, about 15% to about 70%, about 20% to about 70%, or about 25%to about 70%, specifically reciting all 0.1% increments within thespecified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. All opacity %are determined using the Opacity Test herein.

The opacity of the outer cover nonwoven material 58 may be in the rangeof about 1% to about 50%, about 5% to about 30%, about 5% to about 25%,about 10% to about 20%, about 10% to about 15%, or may be less thanabout 30%, less than about 25%, less than about 20%, less than about15%, or less than about 10%, specifically reciting all 0.1% incrementswithin the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.All opacity % are determined using the Opacity Test herein.

The opacity of both the backsheet 38 and the outer cover nonwovenmaterial 58 measured as a laminate may be in the range of about 15% toabout 95%, about 20% to about 80%, about 30% to about 70%, or about 40%to about 60%, specifically reciting all 0.1% increments within thespecified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. All opacitypercentages are determined using the Opacity Test herein.

Either in addition to or in lieu of the low opacity outer cover nonwovenmaterial 58 and/or the backsheet 38, the absorbent article 10 maycomprise a wetness indicator 132, which may be positioned on awearer-facing side of the backsheet 38 or in other suitable locations.The wetness indicator may be visible from a wearer-facing surface or agarment-facing surface of the absorbent article 10. Thus, as bodilyexudates come into contact with the wetness indicator, the wetnessindicator may change colors or appear or disappear to indicate to nursesor caregivers that the absorbent article is soiled and needs changed. Inother instances, the wetness indicator may change colors, appear, ordisappear based on temperature changes (caused by bodily exudatesentering the absorbent article) within the absorbent article 10. Inother instances, the absorbent article 10 may be free of a wetnessindicator.

The absorbent articles 10 may comprise lotions, ointments, skinprotecting ointments, vitamins, anti-bacterial treatments,anti-microbial treatments, anti-fungal treatments, on the topsheet 36,leg cuffs 26 and/or 27, and/or other components to promote skin healthfor the baby.

Wetness Guards

Any configurations of the wetness guards 22 and 24 described herein maybe used together, for example, a wetness guard that is discrete may beused with a wetness guard that folds over, or a wetness guard that isattached at only one side of the absorbent article 10 may be used with apermanent or discrete wetness guard. Other features of the absorbentarticles may be used in combination with any of the wetness guardconfigurations described herein.

Graphics and/or Indicia

FIGS. 27-29 are schematic illustrations of absorbent articles 10 withgraphics and/or indicia 134, 136 (hereafter “graphics”), with theirgarment-facing surfaces facing the viewer. The graphics 134 may be on afirst side of the central lateral axis 12 and viewable from thegarment-facing surface and the graphics 136 may be on a second side ofthe central lateral axis 12 and viewable from the garment-facing surfaceof the absorbent article 10. The graphics 134 and/or 136 may or may notcross the central longitudinal axis of the absorbent article 10. Thegraphics 134 and/or 136 may be a single graphic or multiple graphicsthat form a single image, multiple images, single patterns, or multiplepatterns. The graphics 134 may be a mirror image of the graphics 136 (ormay be the same or substantially the same), relative to the centrallateral axis 12, to indicate reversibility of the absorbent article to acaregiver or wearer. In other instances, the graphics 134 may not be amirror image of the graphics 136, relative to the central lateral axis12. Referring to FIG. 29, the graphics 134 and/or 136 may be at leastpartially comprised of brand names, characters, and/or logos. Thegraphics 134 and/or 136 may be printed on, positioned on, and/or appliedto the backsheet 38 and/or the outer cover nonwoven material 58, forexample. If the graphics 134 and 136 are on the backsheet 38, the outercover nonwoven material 58 may have an opacity such that the graphics134 and 136 are viewable therethrough. The graphics 134 and 136 may beon a garment-facing side of the backsheet 38 and/or the wearer-facingside of the backsheet 38. The graphics 134 may also be printed on, orotherwise applied to, a landing zone in the front waist region 16.Likewise, the graphics 136 may be printed on, or otherwise applied to, alanding zone in the back waist region 18. By providing two landingzones, the caregiver is able to recognize that the absorbent article 10is reversible. The landing zones may be a separate material joined tothe outer cover nonwoven material 58 or may be formed by portions of theouter cover nonwoven material 58.

By having graphics 134 and 136 that are mirror images of each other,relative to the central lateral axis 12, the absorbent article 10 may bereversible. Stated another way, a baby's (or wearer's) back waist regionmay be positioned adjacent to graphics 134 or 136 depending on how theabsorbent article 10 is donned on the baby. If the absorbent article 10is meant to be reversible, the absorbent material 42 within theabsorbent core 40, in some instances, may be uniform and homogeneous.The absorbent core 40 may also be longitudinally centered in theabsorbent article to aid in reversibility of the absorbent article. Byproviding graphics that mirror each other on opposite sides of thecentral lateral axis 12, a caregiver will quickly recognize that theabsorbent article is reversible. Further, the graphics may indicatewhere fasteners (e.g., 110, 112) may be attached (e.g., landing zone) onthe garment-facing surface to provide a caregiver with a guide as toproper application of the fasteners and, thereby, a proper applicationof the absorbent article 10.

Inserts

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 30-34, one or more inserts 140 may be providedfor use with the absorbent article 10. The one or more inserts 140 maybe packaged together with the absorbent article 10 or packaged and soldseparately. One or more inserts 140 and one or more absorbent articles10 may be in a kit. The one or more inserts 140 may be positioned withinthe absorbent article 10 after the absorbent article 10 is donned on thewearer or before the absorbent article 10 is donned on the wearer. Theinserts 140 essentially provide an additional absorbent containmentelement that may be used prior to soiling the absorbent article 10 orafter soiling of the absorbent article 10. The inserts 140 may alsoprovide an additional component for improved bodily exudatevisualization. In some instances, the inserts 140 may provide the solesource of improved bodily exudate visualization, with the remainder ofthe absorbent article 10 not designed for improved bodily exudatevisualization. The inserts 140 may be advantageous in that the baby orwearer may not need to be fully changed and, thereby, moved or handledless, compared to if only the absorbent article 10 was used. Multipleinserts may be used at one time, so that once soiled the mostwearer-facing insert may be removed. In some instances, the inserts 140may be fastened or joined to the wearer-facing surface of the absorbentarticle 10 or to a wearer-facing surface of another insert using anysuitable joining techniques. In other instances, the inserts 140 maymerely be placed on the wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article10 or the wearer-facing surface without some separate attachment orjoining mechanism. In these instances, the inserts 140 may remain inplace by friction or merely by weight of the wearer or baby. In someinstances, at least portion of the inserts may have low coefficients offriction to allow them to slide over a portion of a wearer-facingsurface of the absorbent article 10, when being inserted into theabsorbent article while it is on a wearer. The inserts are helpful asfull absorbent article changes may be reduced, thereby leading to lessstress on (i.e., less movement of) a baby or premature baby. Asmentioned above, the inserts may also be used for improved bodilyexudate visualization.

FIG. 30 is a plan view of the insert 140 positioned on a wearer-facingsurface of an absorbent article 10 of the present disclosure. FIG. 31 isa plan view of the insert. FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional illustration ofthe insert 140 of FIG. 31, taken about line 32-32. FIG. 33 is a planview of another insert 140′. FIG. 34 is a plan view of another insert140″.

The inserts 140 may comprise a topsheet 142, an optional acquisitionmaterial and/or distribution material 144, an absorbent core 146, abacksheet 148, and optionally an outer cover nonwoven material 150. Aninsert having improved bodily exudate visualization may comprise anapertured topsheet 142, an absorbent core 146, and a backsheet. Thetopsheet may be in face-to-face contact with the absorbent core. Theinserts may be free of any acquisition or distribution materials orwindows may be present in the acquisition or distribution materials toallow for improved urine visualization. The topsheet 142 may be formedof one or more nonwoven materials, one or more films, or a laminateformed of one or more nonwoven materials and one or more films. Thetopsheet 142 may comprise a liquid permeable material or apertures 152defined in the topsheet 142 may make the topsheet 142 liquid permeableor more liquid permeable. The topsheet 142 may also comprisethree-dimensional features, embossments, bond patterns, lotions, and/orsurfactants, for example. The acquisition material and/or distributionmaterial 144, if provided, may be formed of nonwoven materials, foams,or other suitable materials. The acquisition material and/ordistribution material 144 is only illustrated in FIG. 32, since it is anoptional feature. Optionally, a layer of cross-linked cellulosic fibersmay also be present intermediate the topsheet 142 and the acquisitionmaterial and/or distribution material 144. The absorbent core 146 maycomprise an absorbent material. The absorbent material may comprise theabsorbent materials discussed below in the bodily exudate visualizationsection or other absorbent materials. The backsheet 148 may be liquidimpermeable, and may or may not be air permeable (or “breathable”). Insome instances, the backsheet 148 may not be provided and bodilyexudates that are not absorbed by the absorbent core 146 may passthrough the insert 140 and into the absorbent articles 10. The outercover nonwoven material 150 may or may not be provided and may be formedof a nonwoven material, for example. In some instances, including in theclaims, the inserts described herein may be considered “absorbentarticles” in their own right. In certain situations, the topsheet may beC-wrapped partially around the backsheet.

Referring to FIG. 32A, in some instances, the insert 140 may have thecross section illustrated when taken about line 32A-32A of FIG. 31. Insuch an instance, the topsheet 142 may form a C-wrap around end regionsof the backsheet 148 and be joined to the backsheet 148 using adhesivebonds 149, or other types of joining. In such an instance, a portion ofthe backsheet 148 may rest on the topsheet 36 of the absorbent article10. Stated another way, a portion of the backsheet 148 may form agarment-facing surface of the insert. An optional acquisition materialand/or distribution material 144 may be provided. The insert of FIG. 32Amay, in some instances, have an outer cover nonwoven material as well.

Referring to FIG. 32B, another insert 141 is illustrated. The insert 141comprises a topsheet 142, a backsheet 148, an absorbent core 146intermediate the topsheet 142 and a portion of the backsheet 148, andadhesive or other bonds 149 joining the topsheet 142 and the backsheet148. The insert 141 may optionally comprise an acquisition and/ordistribution material intermediate the topsheet 142 and the absorbentcore 146. In the insert 141, the backsheet 148 may surround a majorityof the absorbent core 146 to encase bodily exudates, such as urine, forexample, when the bodily exudates enter the insert 141 at the locationillustrated by arrow X. In such a fashion, the bodily exudates mayremain within the insert 141, thereby reducing leakage of the inserts.

Referring to FIG. 33, an insert 140′ is illustrated. This example insert140′ has a grasp tab 154 on one end and a cut out 156 on the other end.The grasp tab 154 may be used by a caregiver to easily grasp and removethe insert 140′. The grasp tab 154, in an example, may be formed only ofa backsheet material, or other liquid impermeable material, so thatbodily exudates cannot wick to the grasp tab 154. In other instances,the grasp tab 154 may be formed of a portion of the topsheet 142, aportion of the backsheet 148, and/or a portion of the outer covernonwoven material 150. By providing the grasp tab 154 on one end and thecut out 156 on the other end, a material savings may be achieved whenthe inserts are manufactured in strip of a plurality of the inserts140′. Any of the inserts described herein may be manufactured in a stripof a plurality of the inserts and may be packaged as a roll of inserts,for example. Lines of weakness 158 may be formed intermediate thevarious inserts. In such an instance, a roll of a plurality of insertsmay be provided to a caregiver or nurse and the caregiver or nurse canthen tear off any suitable number of inserts for use on a particularwearer. The inserts may also be packaged in stacks, for example, or inother forms.

Referring to FIG. 34, the insert 140″ is illustrated. The example insert140″ may have a grasp tab 154 on both ends to allow for easier caregiveror nurse placement and removal of the inserts 140″.

In some instances, the various inserts may comprise stiffening membersor stiffened portions (e.g., foams, densified regions) to aid inapplication of the inserts into a donned absorbent article 10.

In some instances, it may be desirable for the absorbent articles,including the inserts, to be free of fragrances, perfumes, and/orlotions. In other instances, one or more components of the absorbentarticles, such as the topsheet, for example, may be free of fragrances,perfumes, and/or lotions. Further details of the inserts with bodilyexudate visualization are described below.

Elastics

Referring to FIG. 35, the elastics 52 may extend the full longitudinaldirection, substantially the full longitudinal direction, or only partof the full longitudinal direction of the absorbent article 10. Incertain instances though, the elastics 52 may only be joined to thecuffs 26 in a joined area 222. The elastics 52 may not extend the fulllongitudinal direction of the absorbent article 10 after the absorbentarticle is separated from other absorbent articles at the first end edge28 and at the second end edge 30. In this instance, the elastics 52 may“snap back” toward the joined area 222. Portions of the elastics 52outside of the joined area 222 may be free of joinder to the cuffs 26,thereby not applying elastic forces to areas of the cuffs 26 outside ofthe joined area 222. The joined area 222 may be centrally located on theelastics 52 in the longitudinal direction (i.e., a direction about thelongitudinal axis 20). Stated another way, the joined area 222 mayexhibit symmetry with respect to the lateral axis 12. In other cases,the joined area 222 may not exhibit symmetry with respect to the lateralaxis 12 or may not even cross the lateral axis 12. In this instance, thejoined area 222 may be fully positioned on a first side of the lateralaxis 12 or may be fully positioned on a second side of the lateral axis12. More than one joined area 222 may exist for a single cuff 26. In asingle elastic 52, one joined area may be on the first side of thelateral axis 12 and a second joined area may be on a second side of thelateral axis 12. The joined areas 222 may have a length extending in adirection generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 14 of about 0.25inches to about 10 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 7 inches, about 1inch to about 6 inches, about 1 inch to about 5 inches, or about 1 inchto about 4 inches, specifically reciting all 0.1 inch increments withthe specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. Thecertain longitudinal length of the joined areas 222 in a particularabsorbent article 10 may depend on the size of the absorbent article 10and/or the intended use of the absorbent article 10. The joined area 222may comprise one or more adhesives and/or one or more mechanical,ultrasonic, and/or thermal bonds, for example, to join the elastics 52in the joined area 222 to the cuffs 26. The joined areas 222 areillustrated as a rectangular block for illustration purposes only, andother suitable shapes are within the scope of the present disclosure.The elastics 52 may be under a pre-strain when joined to the cuffs 26 toactivate the joined areas 222 when the pre-strain is released. In someinstances, the elastics 52 may only extend longitudinally through thejoined area 222 and may be pre-strained. The cuffs 26 may be formed ofone or more materials or nonwoven materials. If only one material isused, that material may be folded over itself to enclose the elastics52. If two materials are used, the materials may sandwich the elasticstherebetween. The joined area 222 may be two or more discrete bonds 222′with pre-strained elastics 52P therebetween as illustrated in FIG. 37.The elastics 53, if provided, may have the same or different features asthe elastics 52 described in this paragraph. In other instances, onlythe elastics 53 may have the features described in this paragraph withrespect to the elastics 52. By providing elastics 52 and/or 53 with oneor more joined areas 222, the absorbent article may form a U-like shapeby bringing the first end edge 28 towards the second end edge 30. Thismay provide better bodily exudate containment. An example absorbentarticle having this U-like shape is illustrated in FIG. 36.

In other instances, the joined areas 222 may not be provided and thecuffs may comprise a first nonwoven substrate or a first substrate and asecond nonwoven substrate or a second substrate. The first and secondnonwoven substrates may be joined to each other at differentlongitudinal pre-strain forces. As such, when these pre-strain forcesare released, the cuff may contract and form a structure like the topabsorbent article of FIG. 36. One pre-strain force in one of the firstand second substrates may be negligible or may be zero.

Referring to FIG. 37, an absorbent article 10 may have cuffs 26 with acertain elastic configuration. The elastics 52 and/or 53 may or may nothave the joined areas 222, 222′ discussed above. The elastics 52 mayeach have a first bond 224 proximate to the first end edge 28 and asecond bond 226 positioned more distal from the first end edge 28 thanthe first bond 224. The elastics 52 may also each have a third bond 228proximate to the second end edge 30 and a fourth bond 130 positionedmore distal from the second end edge 30 than the third bond 228. Theelastics 52 may be cut (example cut lines “CL” illustrated in dash inFIG. 37) intermediate the second bond 226 and joined area 222 (or 222′)or, if the joined area 222 is not provided, intermediate the second bond226 and the fourth bond 230. If the joined area 222 is provided, theelastics 52 may also be cut intermediate the fourth bond 230 and thejoined area 222. The bonds 224 and 226, owing to contraction of theelastic 52 therebetween, may cause the first end edge 28 to curl or foldover a portion of the wearer-facing surface proximate to the first endedge 28. The bonds 228 and 230, owing to the contraction of the elastic52 therebetween, may cause the second end edge 30 to curl or fold over aportion of the wearer-facing surface proximate to the second end edge30. These curled or folded over portions may help contain bodilyexudates on the absorbent article 10 so that they may be absorbed by theabsorbent core 40 and so that clothing around the absorbent article 10is not soiled. FIG. 38 is a perspective front view of a curled or foldedover portion of an absorbent article in the front waist region. FIG. 39is a perspective view of the curled or folded over portion of anabsorbent article in the front waist region. The back waist region mayalso have the curling or folded over features in the example absorbentarticles of FIGS. 38 and 39. These features may be used with or withoutthe various wetness guards 22, 24 disclosed herein. In other instances,these curled or folded over portions may be used to create the wetnessguards 22, 24 when they are curled or folded over. When used as wetnessguards, the curled or folded over portions may be tacked, bonded, and/orglued to the wearer-facing surface to hold them in place. The elastics53 of the cuffs 27, if provided, may have the similar or the samefeatures as the elastics 52 of the cuffs 26 described in this paragraph.The bonds 224, 226, 228, and 230 may comprise adhesive bonds, mechanicalbonds, ultra-sonic bonds, and/or thermal bonds, for example. One or moretack down bonds 221 may also be present on the absorbent article 10. Thetack down bonds 221 may be used to join the cuffs 26 to the topsheet orto other portions of the absorbent article 10. Referring to FIG. 40,instead of providing the first, second, third, and fourth bonds 224,226, 228, and 230, a continuous bond 232 may be provided in at least oneend region of the elastics 52. The continuous bond 232 may function likethe first, second, third, and fourth bonds 224, 226, 228, and 230described above and may result in curled or folded portions illustratedin FIGS. 38 and 39. The continuous bonds 232 may comprise adhesivebonds, mechanical bonds, ultra-sonic bonds, and/or mechanical bonds, forexample. Continuous bonds may also be provided on the elastics 53 of thecuffs 27, if provided. The elastics may be pre-strained before thecontinuous bond is applied such that elastic contraction within thecontinuous bonds may cause the end portions to curl or fold over.

Referring to FIG. 41, portions of the absorbent core 40, the absorbentmaterial 42 within the absorbent core 40, and/or other layers of theabsorbent articles may comprise one or more fold lines 233 to alloweasier folding of portions of the absorbent articles 10. The fold lines233 may be areas with reduced or no absorbent material 42 or embossedareas, for example. The fold lines may be at any suitable locationswithin the absorbent core 40 and/or the absorbent article 10. The foldlines may be helpful to a caregiver or nurse when situating theabsorbent article 10 at least partially around a baby, for example.

Methods for producing cuffs of the absorbent articles are alsodisclosed. The cuffs may be made online or by hand. In an onlinecontext, a first nonwoven web or a first web may be advanced (e.g., on aconveyor) in a machine direction. One or more elastics may be applied ina pre-strained condition to the first nonwoven web. The pre-strainedelastic may have the same machine direction length as the first nonwovenweb. The pre-strained elastic may be joined to the first nonwoven web ina plurality of joined areas 222 (e.g., one or more joined areas perdiscrete cuff length). In some instances, the pre-strained elastic mayonly be joined to the first nonwoven web in the joined areas 222. Thejoining may use adhesives or bonds, as discussed herein. The remainderof the elastic outside of the joined areas 222 may be free of joinder tothe first nonwoven web. The first nonwoven web may then be folded overitself to enclose the elastic. In other instances, a second nonwoven webor second web may be positioned over the first nonwoven web and may bejoined to the first nonwoven web to enclose the elastic. The secondnonwoven web may also be joined to the elastic in the joined areas 222.The formed web of cuffs may then be cut to suitable discrete lengths.When the web of cuffs is cut to suitable discrete lengths, the elasticin each cuff may “snap back” towards the joined areas 222, leaving theelastic only pre-strained in the joined area, with the remainder of theelastic being non-pre-strained and not attached to the first and/orsecond nonwoven discrete webs. The cuffs may then be attached to anabsorbent article. Once the cuffs are attached to an absorbent article,the structure of FIG. 36 may be created. In some instances, the firstnonwoven web may first be joined to a moving web comprising a topsheet,a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned at least partiallytherebetween, among other components (e.g., an acquisition layerpositioned intermediate the topsheet and the absorbent core). In thisinstance, the cuffs and the moving web may be cut into discreteabsorbent articles at the same time.

In addition to being joined to the first and/or second nonwoven webs inthe joined areas 222, the elastics may also be joined to the firstand/or second nonwoven webs at bonds (e.g., bonds 224, 226, 228, and 230or continuous bonds 232). These features may apply in a single web cuffthat is folded over itself or to a two web cuff. Also, the elastics mayonly be joined to the first and/or second nonwoven webs at the bonds andnot in the joined areas 222. In any event, if the elastics are joined tothe bonds (e.g., 224 and 226), portions of the elastics intermediate thebonds will remain pre-strained after the elastics are cut intermediatebond pairs (e.g., “CL” of FIG. 37) and after the cuffs are cut intosuitable discrete lengths. This may cause the pre-strained elasticportions intermediate the bonds (e.g., 224 and 226), to contract uponrelease of the pre-strain force and cause the curling or folding oflongitudinal end portions as illustrated in FIGS. 38 and 39.

In some instances, discrete cuffs, like the pairs of cuffs 26 and 27 maynot be provided in an absorbent article. Instead, referring to FIGS.42-45, a pair of cuffs 326 may be integrally formed in the absorbentarticle 10 by folding the first and second side edges 32 and 34 inwardlytoward the longitudinal axis 14. FIG. 42 is a perspective viewphotograph of an absorbent article with folded over cuffs. FIG. 43 is aplan view of an absorbent article 10 with folded over cuffs 326. FIG. 44is an example cross-sectional view of the absorbent article 10 prior tothe cuffs 326 being folded toward the longitudinal axis 14. FIG. 45 isan example end view of the absorbent article 10 of FIG. 43 before anytack down bonds are applied.

Referring to FIGS. 43-45, the structure of the absorbent article 10 isillustrated. The absorbent article 10 comprises a topsheet 36, anabsorbent core 40, a backsheet 38, and an outer cover nonwoven material58. The absorbent core 40 is disposed at least partially between thetopsheet 36 and the backsheet 38. Elastics 352 may also be positionedintermediate the topsheet 36 and the backsheet 38 or may be positionedintermediate the backsheet 38 and the outer cover nonwoven material 58.Portions of the topsheet 36, the backsheet 38, and the outer covernonwoven material 58 may be folded towards the longitudinal axis 14 tocreate a structure like that illustrated in FIGS. 43 and 45. Theelastics 352 may only be joined to the cuff 326 in a joined area 322,much like joined area 222. The joined area 322 may comprise an adhesivethat joins the elastics 352 to the topsheet 36 and/or the backsheet 38(or to the backsheet 38 and/or the outer cover nonwoven material 58).One or more tack down bonds 321 (similar to tack down bonds 221described herein) may also be present on the absorbent article 10proximate to the first end edge 28 and the second end edge 30. The tackdown bonds 321 may be used to hold the ends of the cuffs 326 in thefolded over configuration. In some instances, the elastics 352 may notbe provided and the cuffs 326 may “stand” because of the tack down bonds321. Any suitable number of tack down bonds 321 may be provided.

The tack down bonds 321 in combination with the joined area 322 of theelastics 352 may cause the cuffs 326 to “stand” more than without theelastics 352 and the joined area 322 as illustrated in FIG. 42. In someinstances, the elastics 352 may be joined to the topsheet 36 and/or thebacksheet 38 (or to the backsheet 38 and/or the outer cover nonwovenmaterial 58) along their full length or along most of their length.Other features, such as the wetness guards 22, 24, for example, of theabsorbent articles 10 described herein may also be used with theabsorbent article of FIGS. 42-45. One or more acquisition materialsand/or distribution materials may also be provided at least partiallyintermediate the topsheet 36 and the absorbent core 40, similar toacquisition material 50 and distribution material 51 described herein.

Bodily Exudate Separation and Sampling

As described above, it may be desirable to separate urine and BM in adiaper for skin health reasons and/or for sampling reasons. Features inan absorbent article that may provide, or at least partially provide,these benefits may comprise a standing barrier, a sample receivingelement, a portion of, or all of a topsheet that is liquid impermeable,and/or areas or portions without an absorbent core, for example. Thesefeatures may be combined into the absorbent articles described herein ina suitable fashion. The bodily exudate separation and sampling featuresare described in further detail below in reference to the examplesillustrated in FIGS. 46-50.

FIG. 46 is an example perspective view of an absorbent article forbodily exudate separation and/or sampling, wearer-facing surface facingthe viewer. FIG. 47 is a plan view of an example absorbent article forbodily exudate separation and/or sampling, wearer-facing surface facingthe viewer, and with elastic contraction removed. FIG. 48 is a plan viewof the example absorbent article of FIG. 50, garment-facing surfacefacing the viewer. FIG. 49A is an example cross-sectional view takenabout line 49A-49A of FIG. 47. FIG. 49B is another examplecross-sectional view taken about line 49B-49B of FIG. 47. FIG. 50 is anexample cross-sectional view taken about line 50-50 of FIG. 47.

Referring to FIG. 46-50, an example absorbent article 900 is provided.The absorbent article 900 may be configured for bodily exudateseparation and/or sampling. The absorbent article 900 may comprise afirst end 902, a second end 904, a first side 906, and a second side908. The absorbent article 900 may comprise one or more pairs of legcuffs 910, including an outer pair of leg cuffs and an inner pair of legcuffs. Only a single pair of leg cuffs may be provided. The absorbentarticle 900 may be a taped diaper, a pant, or an adult incontinenceproduct, for example. The absorbent article 900 may comprise a topsheet912, a backsheet 914, and optionally an absorbent core 916 positioned atleast partially intermediate the topsheet 912 and the backsheet 914. Theabsorbent article 900 may also optionally comprise one or moreacquisition materials 918 at least partially intermediate the absorbentcore 916 and the topsheet 912 or at least partially intermediate thetopsheet 912 and the backsheet 914 if no absorbent core is provided. Theabsorbent article 900 may also comprise an outer cover nonwoven material915 in a facing relationship with the backsheet 914 and at leastpartially forming a garment-facing surface of the absorbent article 900.The absorbent article 900 may comprise one or more wetness guards, oneor more removable fastening members (instead of the ears with fastenersillustrated in FIGS. 46-48), and/or other features described herein. Theabsorbent article 900, or portions thereof, may also be configured forbodily exudate visualization.

Waist Guard

Referring to FIGS. 46, 47, 49A, and 49B, the absorbent article 900 maycomprise a waist guard 920. The waist guard 920 may be positionedproximate to the second end 904 and may be configured to contain BMwithin the absorbent article. The waist guard 920 may comprise one ormore elastic elements 922, such as elastic strands. Such elasticelements 922 may cause a portion of the waist guard 920 to standrelative to the topsheet 912. Typically, a distal end 921 of the waistguard 920 will be free of attachment to the wearer-facing surface ortopsheet such as to create a pocket with the leg cuffs 910. A proximalend 923 of the waist guard 920 may be attached to the wearer-facingsurface or the topsheet. Ends 925 of the waist guard 920 may be attachedto the leg cuffs 910 to complete the pocket. The waist guard maycomprise one or more nonwoven materials and/or one or more films. Insome instances, the one or more films may be sandwiched intermediate twoor more nonwoven materials. If only nonwoven materials (and not films)are provided, they may be hydrophobic nonwoven materials. In someinstances, the waist guard may comprise an elastomeric film instead ofor in addition to elastics. The waist guard 920 may be liquidimpermeable or at least substantially liquid impermeable to maintain BMwithin the absorbent article and prevent, or at least inhibit, the BMfrom leaking out the second end 904.

Standing Barrier

Referring to FIGS. 46, 47, 49A, and 49B, the absorbent article 900 maycomprise a standing barrier 924 that extends at least partiallyintermediate, or fully intermediate, the pair of leg cuffs 910. If twopairs of leg cuffs 910 are provided, the standing barrier 924 may extendintermediate the inner pair of leg cuffs. Laterally outboard ends of thestanding barrier 924 may be joined to the leg cuffs 910. The absorbentarticle 900 may comprise a central longitudinal axis and a centrallateral axis. The standing barrier 924 may extend in a direction that isgenerally parallel to the central lateral axis. The standing barrier 924may be positioned on the absorbent article 900 longitudinally betweenthe expected location of a wearer's anus and a wearer's urethra, whichmay or may not correspond to the central lateral axis. The standingbarrier 924 may comprise one or more elastic elements 926, such aselastic strands. The elastic elements 926 may cause the barrier to standrelative to the topsheet 912. Typically, the standing barrier 924 may beliquid impermeable to prevent, or at least inhibit, cross-contaminationof BM and urine. The standing barrier 924 may work together with thewaist guard 920 and the pair of leg cuffs 910 to maintain BM within arear portion of the absorbent article for containment or for sampling.The standing barrier 924 may also be used to maintain urine in the frontportion of the absorbent article.

The standing barrier 924 may have a proximal end 927 positioned mostproximal to the topsheet and a distal end 929 positioned most distalfrom the topsheet 912. The elastic elements 926 may be positionedproximate to the distal end 929. In some instances, the standing barrier924 may not extend horizontally relative to a plane of the topsheet 912,but may extend from the topsheet 912 toward the first end 902 or fromthe topsheet 912 toward the second end 904. Stated another way, thestanding barrier 924 may be angled toward the first end 902 or angledtoward the second end 904. Stated yet another way, the distal end 929 ofthe standing barrier 920 may be closer to the first end 902 or to thesecond end 904 than the proximate end 927. The angling of the standingbarrier 924 toward the first end 902 may be helpful if urine containmentand/or urine sampling is desired. Likewise, the angling of the standingbarrier 924 toward the second end 902 may be helpful if BM containmentand/or BM sampling is desired. In other instances, the standing barriermay form a T-like shape, so as to maintain BM and urine separation. Thebottom of the T-like shape would form the proximal end 927 and the topof the T-like shape would form the distal end 929.

In some instances, it may be desirable to provide a first standingbarrier and a second standing barrier. The first standing barrier may beconfigured for urine containment and the second standing barrier may beconfigured for BM containment.

Longitudinal (machine direction) cross-sectional examples of somestanding barriers are illustrated in FIGS. 51-55. In FIGS. 51-55,element 910 is a top of a leg cuff, element 912 is a topsheet, andelement 924 is an example standing barrier. “F” represents a front of anabsorbent article and “B” represents a back of an absorbent article.Referring to FIG. 51, a standing barrier 924 is joined to the topsheet912 and the top of the leg cuffs 910. The standing barrier 924 is angledtoward the back of the absorbent article for BM containment and/orsampling. Referring to FIG. 52, a standing barrier 924 is joined to thetopsheet 912 and the top of the leg cuffs 910. The standing barrier 924is angled toward the front of the absorbent article for urinecontainment and/or sampling. Referring to FIG. 53, a standing barrier924 that has a V-shape is illustrated. This V-shaped standing barrier924 may be configured for BM and urine containment and/or sampling.Referring to FIG. 54, a standing barrier 924 is joined to the topsheet912 and the top of the leg cuffs 910. The standing barrier may have aZ-shape. The standing barrier 924 is angled towards the back of theabsorbent article. The Z-shape standing barrier 924 comprises a canopy931 such that the standing barrier 924 is configured for urinecontainment and/or sampling. Referring to FIG. 55, a standing barrier924 is joined to the topsheet 912 and the top of the leg cuffs 910. Thestanding barrier has a Z-shape. The standing barrier 924 is angledtoward the front of the absorbent article. The Z-shape standing barrier924 comprises a canopy 931 such that the standing barrier 924 isconfigured for BM containment and/or sampling.

The standing barriers described herein may be used with or without otherfeatures of the absorbent articles described herein, such as the samplereceiving elements.

Sample Receiving Element

Referring to FIGS. 47-50, the absorbent article 900 may comprise one ormore sample receiving elements 928. The sample receiving elements 928may be positioned on either or both sides of the central lateral axis ofthe absorbent articles or on either or both sides of a standing barrier,such as standing barrier 920. The sample receiving elements 928 areconfigured to receive bodily exudates and maintain the bodily exudates adistance from the skin of a wearer. This provides two benefits: (1) easeof sampling the bodily exudates; and (2) promotes skin health bymaintaining bodily exudates away from the skin. A sample receivingelement in a front portion of an absorbent article may be configured toreceive urine, while a sample receiving element in a back portion of anabsorbent article may be configured to receive BM.

A sample receiving element 928 may have a first portion forming aportion of a wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article 900 and asecond portion forming a portion of a garment-facing surface of theabsorbent article. Stated another way, a single sample receiving elementmay form a portion of both a garment-facing surface and a portion of awearer-facing surface of an absorbent article. The sample receivingelement may comprise films or plastics, for example. In any event, thematerials should be liquid impermeable to maintain the bodily exudates.In some instances, the entire sample receiving elements may be formed ofa transparent or a translucent material, such as a film or a plastic. Inother instances, one or more transparent or translucent widows may beformed in the sample receiving elements. By providing the samplereceiving elements with transparent or translucent materials or windows,caregivers or nurses can see when bodily exudates have been excreted bythe patient and determine when changing and/or sampling should beperformed.

Sample receiving elements may have a three-dimensional shape, such as ahalf sphere, for example. In other instances, sample receiving elementsmay initially be planar or somewhat planar and then be expandable into athree-dimensional shape. The sample receiving elements may be expandableby using an expandable or extensible film. In other instances, portionsof the sample receiving elements may have fold lines or pleats that canexpand or open to increase the volume of the sample receiving elements.The sample receiving elements may have a volume in the range of about 3mm³ to about 75 mm³, about 5 mm³ to about 50 mm³, about 5 mm³ to about40 mm³, or about 10 mm³ to about 35 mm³, specifically reciting all 0.1mm³ increments within the above specified ranges and all ranges formedtherein or thereby.

Referring to FIGS. 49B and 50, the sample receiving element 928 may beat least partially overlapped on a wearer-facing surface by a cover 930.The cover 930 may have one or more slots, slits, or apertures 932defined therein. The one or more slots, slits, or apertures 932 may beconfigured to allow BM or urine to pass through the cover 930 into thesample receiving element 928. One the BM or urine is within the samplereceiving element 928, the waste may be kept at least mostly out ofcontact with the skin of a wearer owing to the cover 930. The cover 930may comprise a film or a plastic, for example a transparent ortranslucent film or plastic.

Liquid Impermeable Topsheet, or Portion Thereof

In order to provide for sampling and/or bodily exudate visualization, itmay be desirable to have a liquid impermeable topsheet or a portion of atopsheet that is liquid impermeable. A front portion of an article maycomprise a liquid impermeable topsheet, while the back portion maycomprise a liquid permeable topsheet, or vice versa. In other instances,only an area of the front and/or back portion of the article maycomprise a liquid impermeable topsheet, with the remainder of thetopsheet being liquid permeable. The liquid impermeable topsheet may beuseful in an article that is intended to collect urine and/or BM or viewthe actual color of the urine and/or BM. The liquid impermeabletopsheet, or portion thereof, may work in conjunction with the samplereceiving element 928 in that bodily exudates are not absorbed into thearticle and eventually find their way into the sample receiving element928 (with or without the cover 930). The liquid impermeable topsheet mayalso maintain the bodily exudates above the topsheet so that a nurse orcaregiver can accurately chart the color of the bodily exudates.

Absorbent Core/Acquisition Material

The absorbent core 916 in an absorbent article for sampling may take ona number of different forms. In some instances, an absorbent core maynot be provided at all. In such an instance, one or more acquisitionmaterials may or may not be provided. In certain instances, at least onematerial may be provided intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet forcushioning of the wearer.

In an instance, referring to FIG. 49A, the absorbent core 916 and/oracquisition material 918 may be provided everywhere in the diaper expectfor where the sample receiving element 928 is disposed. Here, theabsorbent core 916 and/or the acquisition material 918 may have a holedefined therein. The hole may about the size of the sample receivingelement 928. In such a configuration, the topsheet may be liquidpermeable or impermeable and/or have liquid permeable or impermeableportions. It may be desirable to have an area of the topsheetsurrounding the sample receiving element 928 to be liquid impermeable.The absorbent core and/or the acquisition material may be configured towick bodily exudates from the front to the back of the absorbent articleor vice versa owing to the absorbent core extending from the front tothe back.

In another instance, referring to FIG. 49B, the absorbent core 916and/or acquisition material 918 may only be positioned in a frontportion of an absorbent article. In such an instance, a sample receivingelement 928 may be positioned in the back portion of the absorbentarticle for BM collection. The topsheet in the front portion may beliquid permeable, while the topsheet in the back portion may be liquidimpermeable. In other instances, the absorbent core and/or theacquisition material may only be positioned in the back portion of theabsorbent article and the sample receiving element may be positioned inthe front portion of the absorbent article for urine collection. In suchforms, bodily exudates are generally not wicked from the front portionto the back portion, or vice versa, in an absorbent article.

In another instance, the absorbent core and/or the acquisition materialmay be two separate portions. One portion may be in the front of theabsorbent article and the other portion may be in the back of theabsorbent article. In such an instance, bodily exudates may not bewicked from the front to the back. This may be helpful to prevent, or atleast inhibit, cross-contamination between BM and urine in a samplingcontext.

Wetness Indicators

Referring to FIGS. 49A and 49B, wetness indicators 934 may be providedon a wearer-facing side of the backsheet 914.

Sampling Articles

Additional features of sampling articles, such as diapers, are disclosedin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/446,450, filed on Mar. 1, 2017,entitled DIAPER ADAPTED FOR COLLECTION OF UNCONTAMINATED AND INTACTSTOOL SAMPLE FROM AN INFANT, P&G Attorney Docket No. 14214; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/446,077, filed on Mar. 1, 2017, entitled DIAPERADAPTED FOR COLLECTION OF URINE SAMPLE FROM AN INFANT, P&G AttorneyDocket No. 14293; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application, P&G AttorneyDocket No. 14885P, filed on Jun. 27, 2017, entitled DIAPER PRODUCTADAPTED FOR COLLECTION OF EXUDATE SAMPLE FROM AN INFANT.

Test Methods

For all test methods, condition the samples at 23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2%relative humidity for 2 hours prior to testing.

Opacity Test

Separate the material to be tested from the absorbent article samplesusing cryogenic spray.

Opacity by contrast ratio measurements are made using a 0°/45°spectrophotometer suitable for making standard CIE L*a*b* colormeasurements (e.g., Hunterlab Labscan XE spectrophotometer, HunterAssociates Laboratory Inc., Reston Va. or equivalent). The diameter ofthe instrument's measurement port should be chosen such that only theregion of interest is included within the measurement port. Analyses areperformed in a room controlled at about 23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2% relativehumidity.

Calibrate the instrument per the vender instructions using the standardblack and white tiles provided by the vendor. Set the spectrophotometerto use the CIE XYZ color space, with a D65 standard illumination and 10°observer. Using cryogenic spray and scissors carefully excise thespecimen from the article for testing. The region of interest isselected from the crotch region near the longitudinal centerline of thechassis of the absorbent article excluding significant wrinkles,creases, or wetness indicators. Place the specimen flat against theinstrument with the outward facing surface toward thespectrophotometer's measurement port and the region of interest withinthe port. Ensure that no tears, holes or apertures are within themeasurement port. Place the white standard tile onto the opposingsurface of the specimen such that it completely covers the measurementport. Take a reading for XYZ and record to 0.01 units. Without movingthe specimen, remove the white plate and replace it with the blackstandard plate. Take a second reading for XYZ and record to 0.01 units.Repeat this procedure at a corresponding site for a total of ten (10)replicate specimens.

Opacity is calculated by dividing the Y value measured using the blacktile as backing, divided by the Y value measured using the white tile asbacking, then multiplying the ratio by 100. Record the opacity value tothe nearest 0.01%. Calculate opacity for the 10 replicates and reportthe average opacity to the nearest 0.01%.

Folded Crotch Width Test

The Folded Crotch Width (W) (see FIG. 1) is measured by folding anabsorbent article sample so that the front and back waist edges arealigned, and so that corresponding lateral edges are aligned with eachother. Using a calibrated ruler certified by NIST, measure and recordthe lateral width of the outer surface of the sample along the fold tothe nearest 0.1 mm. Repeat this procedure for 10 substantially similarabsorbent articles samples. Average together the 10 individual FoldedCrotch Width (W) measurements and report the value nearest 0.1 mm.

Folded Crotch Angle Test

The Folded Crotch Angle (A) (see FIG. 1) is measured by folding anabsorbent article sample so that the front and back waist edges arealigned, and so that corresponding lateral edges are aligned with eachother. Using a calibrated protractor certified by NIST measure, andrecord the angles (A) of the two angled portions 63 (see FIG. 1) of thesample relative to the lateral axis of the folded sample to the nearest0.1 degrees. Repeat this procedure for 10 substantially similarabsorbent article samples. Average together the 20 individual FoldedCrotch Angle (A) measurements and report the value nearest 0.1 degrees.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany embodiment disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such embodiment. Further, to the extent that any meaningor definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It istherefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An absorbent article comprising: a centrallateral axis; a central longitudinal axis; a first side edge; a secondside edge; a first end edge; a second end edge; a first waist region ona first side of the lateral axis; a second waist region on a second sideof the lateral axis; a topsheet; a backsheet; an absorbent corepositioned at least partially intermediate the topsheet and thebacksheet; a pair of leg cuffs, wherein a first leg cuff is positionedproximate to the first side edge, and wherein a second leg cuff ispositioned proximate to the second side edge; a standing barrierextending intermediate the first leg cuff and the second leg cuff,wherein the standing barrier is configured to separate urine from bowelmovements when the absorbent article is positioned on a wearer, whereinthe standing barrier extends in a direction generally parallel to thecentral lateral axis, and wherein the standing barrier is positionedproximate to the central lateral axis; and a sample receiving element inthe first waist region or the second waist region, wherein the samplereceiving element comprises a portion that is translucent ortransparent.
 2. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the topsheetis liquid permeable in the first waist region, wherein the topsheet isliquid impermeable in the second waist region, and wherein the samplereceiving element is positioned in the second waist region.
 3. Theabsorbent article of claim 2, wherein a first portion of the samplereceiving element forms a portion of a wearer-facing surface in thesecond waist region, and wherein a second portion of the samplereceiving element forms a portion of a garment-facing surface in thesecond waist region.
 4. The absorbent article of claim 3, wherein thestanding barrier extends toward the second end edge.
 5. The absorbentarticle of claim 1, wherein the absorbent core is only positioned in thefirst waist region or the second waist region.
 6. The absorbent articleof claim 1, wherein the absorbent core is positioned in the first waistregion and the second waist region.
 7. The absorbent article of claim 1,wherein the sample receiving element forms a three-dimensional shape andextends outwardly from the backsheet in a direction opposite from thelocation of the topsheet.
 8. The absorbent article of claim 7, whereinthe sample receiving element has a volume in the range of about 5 cm³ toabout 50 cm³.
 9. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the samplereceiving element is expandable into a three-dimensional shape having avolume in the range of about 5 cm³ to about 50 cm³.
 10. The absorbentarticle of claim 1, wherein a cover is positioned over the samplereceiving element, and wherein the cover has a slit, slot, or aperturedefined therethrough.
 11. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein theabsorbent article is free of the absorbent core in the area of thesample receiving element.
 12. The absorbent article of claim 1,comprising: a removable fastening member comprising: a first surface; asecond surface opposite to the first surface; a first end; a second endopposite to the first end; a first fastener on the first surface andpositioned proximate to the first end; and a second fastener on thefirst surface and positioned proximate to the second end.
 13. Theabsorbent article of claim 12, comprising: a second removable fasteningmember comprising: a first surface; a second surface opposite to thefirst surface; a first end; a second end opposite to the first end; afirst fastener on the first surface and positioned proximate to thefirst end; and a second fastener on the first surface and positionedproximate to the second end.
 14. The absorbent article of claim 13,comprising an outer cover material joined to the non-absorbent corefacing side of the backsheet and forming at least a portion of agarment-facing side of the absorbent article, wherein the outer covermaterial is free of a discrete landing zone that is attached to theouter cover material.
 15. The absorbent article of claim 12, wherein theremovable fastening member comprises: a first nonwoven material; asecond nonwoven material; and an elastic material positioned at leastpartially therebetween.
 16. The absorbent article of claim 1, whereinthe standing barrier is liquid impermeable.
 17. The absorbent article ofclaim 16, wherein the standing barrier comprises an elastic element. 18.An absorbent article comprising: a central lateral axis; a centrallongitudinal axis; a first side edge; a second side edge; a first endedge; a second end edge; a first waist region on a first side of thelateral axis; a second waist region on a second side of the lateralaxis; a topsheet; a backsheet; an absorbent core positioned at leastpartially intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet; a pair of legcuffs, wherein a first leg cuff is positioned proximate to the firstside edge, and wherein a second leg cuff is positioned proximate to thesecond side edge; a standing barrier extending intermediate the firstleg cuff and the second leg cuff, wherein the standing barrier isconfigured to separate urine from bowel movements when the absorbentarticle is positioned on a wearer, wherein the standing barrier extendsin a direction generally parallel to the central lateral axis, whereinthe standing barrier is positioned proximate to the central lateralaxis, and wherein the standing barrier is liquid impermeable andcomprises an elastic element; and a sample receiving element in thefirst waist region the second waist region, wherein the sample receivingelement comprises a portion that is translucent or transparent.
 19. Theabsorbent article of claim 18, comprising: a removable fastening membercomprising: a first surface; a second surface opposite to the firstsurface; a first end; a second end opposite to the first end; a firstfastener on the first surface and positioned proximate to the first end;and a second fastener on the first surface and positioned proximate tothe second end.
 20. An absorbent article comprising: a central lateralaxis; a central longitudinal axis; a first side edge; a second sideedge; a first end edge; a second end edge; a first waist region on afirst side of the lateral axis; a second waist region on a second sideof the lateral axis; a topsheet, wherein the topsheet is liquidpermeable in the first waist region, and wherein the topsheet is liquidimpermeable in the second waist region; a backsheet; an absorbent corepositioned at least partially intermediate the topsheet and thebacksheet; a pair of leg cuffs, wherein a first leg cuff is positionedproximate to the first side edge, and wherein a second leg cuff ispositioned proximate to the second side edge; a standing barrierextending intermediate the first leg cuff and the second leg cuff,wherein the standing barrier is configured to separate urine from bowelmovements when the absorbent article is positioned on a wearer, whereinthe standing barrier extends in a direction generally parallel to thecentral lateral axis, wherein the standing barrier is positionedproximate to the central lateral axis, and wherein the standing barrieris liquid impermeable and comprises an elastic element; a samplereceiving element in the second waist region, wherein the samplereceiving element comprises a portion that is translucent ortransparent; and a removable fastening member comprising: a firstsurface; a second surface opposite to the first surface; a first end; asecond end opposite to the first end; a first fastener on the firstsurface and positioned proximate to the first end; and a second fasteneron the first surface and positioned proximate to the second end.